Delicious Decor at Hello Cupcake

I had heard of Hello Cupcake near Dupont Circle before, but I didn’t know its award-winning architecture was just as delectable as its cupcakes.

Bonstra|Haresign Architects, also known for its design of DC’s Studio Theater and the America Online headquarters in Dulles, created this bonbon:

All photographs © Maxwell Mackenzie 2009

The idea here was to create an atmosphere resembling a jewelry boutique, with cupcakes as the jewels. I love how the sculpted gypsum below the counter echoes the frosting swirls of the treats above.  The display cases of “cupcake accessories” behind the counter — and the girly white and pink chandeliers above — would feel equally at home at a high-end boutique.

The flowers are such a nice touch on top of the Carrara marble counter.

Online reviewers have said the cupcakes have “the best frosting this side of Dupont Circle,” and compared them to baked crack. But the design alone here is enough to get me in the door.

It's right across the street from the Metro/ no doubt a solution to late-night munchies.

Architect Bill Bonstra was responsible for the design, which makes the 500-sqaure-foot space look much roomier than it is, with its souring ceilings.

The chocolate-brown wall flanking the seating area comes alive with custom-made adhesive wall graphics, which look like cupcake sprinkes.

Bonstra was directed to follow LEED and Green Restaurant Association standards in the design, so: The space occupies a former retail shop, eliminating the need for demolition; the kitchen uses all Energy Star appliances; oven heat is captured and redistributed through the HVAC system during the winter months; and the interior makes use of regionally produced and recycled materials.

I love the stainless kitchen door with the crisp porthole.

Bonstra’s comment about the design fairly sums up the feel of this space: “The design precisely captures the feeling I hoped to evoke. The space has a clean, airy, and modern appeal that draws people from the busy sidewalk.”

I can’t vouch for the taste of the cupcakes, but the visuals are treat enough (and probably better for my waistline!).